Share this:

How to Make Money from the comfort of your home

How to Make Money from the comfort of your home

There is an incredible amount of money to be made online – depending on what you do you can also be location independent. Whether you are looking to make a little extra side money or a full-time income, it can happen from your computer at home. Most of these opportunities offer the flexibility of time and location so that you can work from anywhere, at any time, with relatively minimal overhead expenses.

Sell Something online!

According to Canada Post – 76% of Canadians shopped online last year! Of that percentage, about a quarter of Canadians have become “frequent” shoppers, which means they’re buying on the Internet four to 10 times per year. Canadians made nearly $21 million online purchases last year alone.

If you have a product or service that you can sell online you may be able to capitalize on this trend.

Get your own blog

Everyone these days seems to have a blog! It gives you a platform to achieve multiple objectives – from establishing your expertise in an area to offering products and services for sale. Create a professional blog with a strong following and you’ve created the potential for steady income. Good branding is always helpful – a memorable logo, a professional website and ofcourse a video or two explaining what your products and services do will go a long way.

I know that this sounds too good to be true. But some companies actually will pay you for your opinion. You can do this on your schedule and wherever you have access to your computer or phone. Some reputable companies in Canada include:

Ipsos Canada. Earn reward points for each survey you take.

Pinecone Research Canada. Earn $3.00 for almost every online survey you complete.

Mintvine. Get paid cash to your PayPal or Dwolla account.

Opinion Outpost.

Harris Poll Online.

Opinea Canada. …

MySurvey Canada.

Some of these top-end surveys pay up to CA$123 (US$95), but those are rare and can take awhile to complete. Most surveys pay a buck or two and only take 10-15 minutes, making it really easy to earn CA$100 or more per month.

With the infiltration of blogging there is a need for original content to boost SEO rankings and to keep customers coming. Writers are in demand and some very popular websites will pay for your services. Many businesses aim to have several different writers in different specialty areas to give their readers a variety of perspectives.

Working customer service involves helping customers either by phone or through online chats. You may be answering questions, troubleshooting technical difficulties, or explaining options depending on the company. A background in customer service is likely to be helpful, as well as an abundance of patience. Customers are often already frustrated when they call customer service, and it’s your job to help resolve the issue. You should be friendly, a good listener, and able to remain calm.

Technical freelancing

Technical freelancing is a growing trend in Canada. There are plenty of people who need graphics, web programming, and much more, but lack the time or knowledge to do it themselves. Unlike consulting, you would do the actual tasks yourself. Freelancing might be better for people who don’t want to run their own business and have the ability to turn down work you don’t want to do.

What is common to all freelancers in this industry is having experience along with a strong portfolio of work to show. Don’t forget, you’ll need to be responsive and enthusiastic and willing to adapt to differing environments and sometimes steep learning curves. Even if you have very little experience – you’ll need to show a portfolio with good ideas or demonstrate you have an excellent knowledge of the work you are being asked to do.

Some sites that can help match you with companies needing these services are:

Tutoring can be a very lucrative side gig – especially if you can tutor subjects like French and math – which are always in demand in Canada. You may have students come to your home, or simply be available by video chat or even phone, depending on the subject.

Tutors are needed for a variety of levels and subjects. It may simply be homework help for elementary students whose parents work late (or have forgotten math they haven’t used in awhile) or test preparation for high-school and college students. Rates will vary depending on level, subject area, and method of communication.

Sell Photos (with an iphone)

If you have an iphone you’re in luck! Use your iphone to make money as an amateur photographer.

How it works: You take a quality photo, upload it to Foap’s marketplace, someone buys the license to your photo for CA$13 (US$10) and you make CA$7 (US$5). If your photo sells 20 times, you make CA$7 (US$5) each time. That’s more than CA$100 in your pocket for just a few minutes of work.

Data Entry

If you’re looking for a simple task, data entry may be the answer. Sites like Upwork and Craigslist usually have a variety of data entry and administrative jobs available. Some of these are ongoing while others consist of one project.

A few things to think about:

Do your homework to make sure you are dealing with legitimate companies.

The Canadian Council of Better Business Bureaus maintains a national database of companies and complaints received about them. If BBB rates your prospective employer “unsatisfactory” or says the company has declined to answer requests for information, find another opportunity.

The RCMP has also set up a site specifically for scams and frauds with helpful resources, FAQs, and advice on reporting different types of fraudulent activity.